Nominations

is useful in that it begins a dialogue on this topic. The primary system is too long, too expensive and simply not the best way to choose nominees from both major political parties.

Mr. McManus writes that ``after so many people fretted about the disproportionate impact of Iowa, its two winners . . . have bombed.`` This is correct. However, both Iowa and New Hampshire still had a major impact.

First, because too much emphasis is placed on these states, candidates spend too much time, money and energy in them. This does not allow the candidates who fare poorly to carry their campaigns further. Second, the media tend to cover the top tier of candidates out of Iowa and into New Hampshire. Those in the back of the pack do not get the exposure.

In 1988, Sen. Albert Gore avoided Iowa. It apparently worked, as Rep. Richard Gephardt struggled for money after exhausting resourses in Iowa and New Hampshire. The nominating system will not improve until we move toward regional primaries and away from the excessive impact of Iowa and New Hampshire.